The prosecution has submitted a minor's statement as evidence in the trial over the murder of Abdurahman Adam, who was found with fatal head injuries at a house in AA. Maalhos last year.

Three men have been charged in connection with the killing, which allegedly took place on 12 July 2025.

Ahmed Ashid, 28, of Fiya, has been charged with intentional homicide using a dangerous weapon. Mohamed Wisam, 28, of Lilyfehi, and Ahmed Faris, 28, of Finivaage, have each been charged with participating in the offence.

At a hearing in the Criminal Court, the prosecution sought an order restricting disclosure of certain evidence submitted in the case. The materials included a statement from a minor, a report containing information relating to the child and photographs documenting the victim's injuries.

The judge granted the request, citing the Child Rights Protection Act and the need to safeguard the minor's dignity.

At the previous hearing, defence lawyers argued that DNA reports referred to by the prosecution as key evidence had not been disclosed. At Thursday's hearing, the prosecution submitted three DNA reports to the court.

Defence lawyer Shayyah Haleel requested time to examine the reports before responding to the charges. The judge granted the request and postponed the defendants' formal response until the next hearing.

If convicted, the prosecution is seeking a life sentence and a fine of between MVR 3 million and MVR 10 million for Ashid. It is seeking prison terms of 18 years and fines ranging from MVR 2 million to MVR 5 million for Wisam and Faris.

The three men were arrested in August last year following the death of 65-year-old Abdurahman.

According to the prosecution, Abdurahman was attacked while asleep at the home of his wife, Nazima Ibrahim. He was taken to the island health centre for treatment but died from his injuries. Police were notified of the incident at about 1.50am.

Witnesses who entered the house after the attack told police that there was blood spatter on the ceiling of the room.